Young Artist Series debuts at the Fair

Published 6:00 am, Sunday, January 30, 2011

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"It is with great pleasure that the Fair Theatre announces its 2011 ‘young artist series,'" says theatre manager Shane Harrell. "The series will feature various local performers, each blessed with amazing talents. We're talking some of the best of the best here in Plainview.

"The idea originated with 14-year-old Aaron Chavez who starred in the theatre's anniversary special last October. The public response was absolutely amazing. Aaron showed us what was possible," Harrell continues. "The concept of giving other young artists their chance in the spotlight skyrocketed from there."

The first show in the series features a pre-Valentine's Day sweetheart special on Saturday, Feb. 5, with special guest performers Jerry Serrano and the Alma Quartet.

Serrano, a native of Plainview, founded the quartet in 2002. The ensemble includes John Reid on bass, Al Gardner on drums and Royce Chambers on piano.

Serrano, specializing in trumpet and guitar, also provides group vocals.

Serrano graduated from Texas Tech in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in music composition. Despite his young age, Serrano has already earned numerous accolades, including outstanding soloist at the 2000 Texas Tech jazz festival, state soloist and ensemble during his school years, a number of jazz improv awards and a people's choice award. He routinely performs throughout the local and southwest region.

Reid serves as a music instructor at South Plains College in Levelland. A professional musician in his own right, Reid entered the local music scene in 1988. Since that time he has performed as an orchestra member in well over three dozen local musical productions, ranging from "Little Shop of Horrors" to "Hello Dolly." He is a regular at the Cactus Theater in Lubbock and often performs with the Big Spring Symphony and the Plainview Symphony.

Gardner is entering his 21st year as a professor of percussion at South Plains College. Aside from his affiliations with the Alma Quartet and local band, Cold Sweat, he also plays with the Hub City Jazz Orchestra and the South Plains Dance Orchestra. Gardner currently serves as the principal timpanist with the Big Spring Symphony. He also lends assistance as a percussion clinician for high school band programs across the South Plains.

Chambers is a self-described "multi-instrumentalist," though of late he has tended to favor the piano and saxophone.

He, too, has won a series of outstanding soloist awards for his art. A University of North Texas alum, Chambers enjoys composing. One of his pieces found its way into the soundtrack of the 2007 movie "Spiral" starring Amber Tamblyn.

Chambers performs with the Midland-Odessa Symphony Pops.

The concert will include contemporary compositions mixed with such fan favorites as "My Funny Valentine," "Steppin' out with my Baby" and "You Leave me Breathless."

Glenn Richardson with Black Forrest Floral will lend his artistic talents in decorating the lobby and stage that evening. Black Forrest recently ranked among the top 200 out of 18,000 florists nationwide in recognition of their unique style and accomplishments. They will also offer flowers for sale in the lobby as part of the pre-Valentine celebration.

Serrano commented, "The Fair has a certain mystique about it and a rich sense of history.

We are very proud to open this series of Fair Theatre productions. It's a wonderful opportunity, not only for young performers but also for local audiences to sample some of the amazing talent within their local community."

Upcoming events in the young artist series include a concert showcasing the vocal stylings of Ray Villarreal and Shaniqua Whitaker, a musical review by pianist Richard Fountain and a collaborative effort to produce "Seussical the Musical."

The theatre box office will open at 6 p.m. with the performance slated for 7. An artist's reception will follow the performance. General admission tickets, priced at $5, will be available for purchase at the door.

For a sampling of the Alma Quartet's repertoire, preview their Web site at www.myspace.com/thealmaquartet. For additional information, contact Harrell at 806-296-1139.